Ah, Christmas is just about here and homes everywhere are being decorated for the season. Lights, trees, and Santa’s are going up everywhere. While this is a time where everyone looks forward to seeing each other’ s displays as well as getting together to decorate, it is also a time to keep safety in mind, especially when it comes to Christmas trees. Here are a few tips to keep your home safe this Christmas.

When choosing a natural Christmas tree, choose one that is fresh. You can do a quick check by checking the needles on the branches, as they should not fall off when touched.

If using an artificial tree, make sure the tree is properly labeled and certified as being fire retardant by the manufacturer.

A natural tree should have approximately two inches cut off from the bottom before placing in the tree stand.

Do not place the tree near any heat sources, such as a fireplace or radiator. There should be a distance of at least three feet.

The tree should not block any fire exits for the home.

Fill the stand with water and refresh the water every day to ensure the tree stays as moist as possible. Allowing the tree to dry out is a definite fire hazard.

Check your lights to ensure they have been tested and are safe to use for indoor use.

If any lights are broken, replace the bulbs before decorating the tree. You should never have any more than three strings of lights attached. Also check for frayed wiring and discard any strings that show this type of wear.

No natural flame decorations should be used on the tree, as they could easily catch fire.

Never leave the lights on the tree on without supervision. This means before leaving the home or going to bed, turn them off and unplug them.

When the tree begins to drop needles, it is time to dispose of it, as it is drying out. Put the tree by the curb or take it directly to the dump.